Thomas Fidelis Schnellenberger, Sr., age 89, passed away at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 25, 2020, at Waters of Princeton.
He was born April 24, 1931, to Oscar and Alice (Knust) Schnellenberger in Huntingburg.
Tom graduated from Huntingburg High School in 1949. After graduation, he worked at the family gas station, Crider Filling Station, until joining the Navy in February of 1952.
He married Virginia Berg on October 25, 1952, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper. After completing basic training in San Diego, CA, he then trained in Memphis, TN prior to being stationed in Corpus Christi, TX. He received his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1956, then returned to Huntingburg where he worked at Roy Cox Oil Company until opening his own business, Tom’s Tire & Supply, Inc. with his wife in 1966. He retired from their business in 1993.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg where he taught Religious Education to Juniors from 1966 to 1993; was a two term Parish Council member, Server, Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He started and coordinated St. Mary’s Church parishioner van transportation; was a founding member and treasurer of RIAL (Religion In American Life). Tom was a seven time president of the Huntingburg Merchant’s Association; member and five-time past president of the YMI (Young Men’s Institute); former member and two term President of the Huntingburg Optimist Club; received Huntingburg Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1966 and again in 1999; founding member and former treasurer of the Huntingburg Herbstfest Committee; former President of the Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce; former treasurer of the Huntingburg Democrats; former member of the Serra Club serving as president three times and once as District Governor; served on the former St. Joseph Hospital Board of Directors. Tom also served on the Huntingburg City Council representing Ward 2 for two terms, 1964-1972. He was a candidate for Huntingburg Mayor in 1991. He was appointed annually by the Dubois County Commissioners to the Huntingburg Economic Development Council from 1999 until 2010. Tom was also a member of the Jasper American Legion Post 147.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Vivian Fischer, Dorothy Schmutzler and Judy Schnellenberger.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 68 years, Virginia (Berg) Schnellenberger of Huntingburg; son, Thomas Fidelis Schnellenberger, Jr. and wife Jackie Simmons of Carmel; three daughters, Susan (Charles) Martin, M.D. of Rockport; Patty (Dennis) Boeglin of Jasper; and Mary (Richard) Roby of Huntingburg; two brothers-in-law, Joe Fischer of Schnellville and Bob Schmutzler of Henderson, KY; nine grandchildren, one step-grandchild, eight great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren with two additional great-grandchildren expected in 2021.
Private services for Tom Schnellenberger, Sr. will be officiated by Fr. Biju Thomas. Jasper American Legion Post No. 147 will conduct military graveside rites. Please note, a celebration of life will be held once public safety for large gatherings is assured.
Nass and Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Meinrad Archabbey, St. Mary’s Church of Huntingburg, or the YMI Club. Condolences may be shared online at: www.nassandson.com.
